Honor William Bastuk Award

Senate Resolution No. 73 BY: Senator BRESLIN HONORING William C. Bastuk upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Peter Henner Award by the Capital Region Chapter of the New York Civil Liberties Union WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain individuals that it wishes to recognize for having given their time and energies to serve the best interests of their communities and to publicly acknowledge their service; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor William C. Bastuk upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Peter Henner Award by the Capital Region Chapter of the New York Civil Liberties Union to be celebrated at its Annual Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, November 7, 2018, at St. Sophia Church in Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, The Capital Region Chapter of the New York Civil Liberties Union strives to educate the public about current civil liberties issues, respond to requests for legal assistance, and advocate for and against local legislation with civil liberties components; and WHEREAS, The Peter Henner Award was established to recognize an exceptional individual whose dedicated work demonstrates their commitment to civil liberties; William C. Bastuk is truly deserving of this prestigious award; and WHEREAS, William C. Bastuk earned his degree in urban affairs from George Washington University, and his master's degree from the University of Rochester; he worked for the New York State Legislature, and for many years, he has been employed by Larsen Engineers of Rochester; and WHEREAS, William C. Bastuk served his community as a Monroe County legislator, member of the Town of Irondequoit Council, President of the local Kiwanis Club and Director of the Irondequoit Chamber of Commerce; and WHEREAS, In 2009, William C. Bastuk founded It Could Happen to You Inc. as a result of having been wrongfully prosecuted and subsequently exonerated after a rogue prosecution; as the organization's Chair and Executive Director, he has built a coalition that, over the course of several years, has successfully advocated for a fairer and more open justice system; and WHEREAS, It Could Happen to You also operates the Freedom Tour Speakers Bureau which features presenters who themselves have been wrongfully prosecuted or convicted and later exonerated; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor William C. Bastuk upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Peter Henner Award by the Capital Region Chapter of the New York Civil Liberties Union; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to William C. Bastuk.